Abuja: Capt. Alex Bade, the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has strongly rebutted the US State Department’s assertion that Nigerian airports are generally unsafe. In a statement released by Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, the NSIB Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bade emphasized that while there is always room for improvement, the NSIB does not agree with the US assessment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Bade acknowledged that challenges such as perimeter fencing and wildlife intrusion at some airports exist but stressed that these issues are not unique to Nigeria. Similar challenges occur at airports worldwide, including in the United States. Bade stated that generalizing Nigerian airports as totally unsafe is unfair and commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for its efforts in implementing upgrades for wildlife management.
Bade addressed a recent incident in Asaba where an aircraft encountered animals on the runway. The aircraft continued its journey to Abuja without damage, and the incident was reported to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). However, it was not reported to the NSIB due to the absence of significant issues. Bade mentioned plans to engage with the private entity managing the airport to discuss best practices, emphasizing that such occurrences involving animals on runways are rare in Nigeria.
Further, Bade highlighted the NSIB’s expanded mandate under the agency’s establishment Act of 2022, covering air, rail, road, and maritime transport. He explained that necessary frameworks, including maritime investigation regulations and training manuals, are being developed, with the maritime and rail frameworks already complete. The NSIB is actively engaging stakeholders to ensure comprehensive transport safety.
Bade also referenced the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on a helicopter crash investigation in the US, noting that the probable cause was spatial disorientation. The report highlighted deficiencies in the company’s oversight and safety management processes, underscoring systemic issues. Bade reiterated the NSIB’s commitment to promoting transport safety and conducting objective investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria.